Comparison · Copenhagen vs Helsinki · Denmark / Finland
Copenhagen vs Helsinki
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Moahim, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Copenhagen for Tivoli Gardens and Nyhavn; choose Helsinki for Suomenlinna, Saunas and lower day-to-day costs. Helsinki is generally less expensive, and the two are about 883 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 883 km
- Less expensive
- Helsinki
- Best time for Copenhagen
- May–September
- Best time for Helsinki
- May–September
Side by side
| Copenhagen | Helsinki | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Denmark | Finland |
| Known for | Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn and Cycling | Suomenlinna, Saunas and Nordic design |
| Best time to visit | May–September | May–September |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $240–$420 | $180–$300 |
| Cost level | Very expensive | Expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 22°C (72°F) | July, 22°C (72°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 3°C (37°F) | February, -2°C (28°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 9 | 7 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 6 |
| Beaches | Amager Strandpark | Hietaniemi beach |
| Airports | CPH | HEL |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Copenhagen for…
Tivoli Gardens and Nyhavn. Copenhagen is a flat, compact harbour city where cycling is the normal way to get around and the harbour water is clean enough to swim in. The medieval centre, with Strøget and the Round Tower, sits between Tivoli Gardens and the painted townhouses of…
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Choose Helsinki for…
Suomenlinna, Saunas and lower day-to-day costs. Helsinki spreads across a peninsula and some 300 islands on the Gulf of Finland. The compact centre combines Carl Ludvig Engel's neoclassical Senate Square, Art Nouveau apartment blocks in Katajanokka and Eira, and new landmarks such as the Oodi library and…
Top sights compared
| # | Copenhagen | Helsinki |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tivoli Gardens | Suomenlinna sea fortress |
| 2 | Nyhavn | Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square |
| 3 | Rosenborg Castle | Uspenski Cathedral |
| 4 | Christiansborg Palace | Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church) |
| 5 | Amalienborg | Market Square and Old Market Hall |
Food compared
| Copenhagen | Helsinki |
|---|---|
| Smørrebrød | Salmon soup |
| Danish pastries | Karelian pie |
| Danish hot dog | Cinnamon bun |
| Stegt flæsk med persillesovs | Rye bread |
Which is cheaper?
Helsinki is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $180–$300 per person there, against $240–$420 in Copenhagen (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Helsinki on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 883 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 8 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Copenhagen or Helsinki cheaper?
Helsinki is usually less expensive: about $180–$300 a day mid-range against $240–$420 (estimates).
+Is Copenhagen or Helsinki better for a first trip?
Pick Copenhagen for Tivoli Gardens and Nyhavn, or Helsinki for Suomenlinna, Saunas and lower day-to-day costs.
+How far is Copenhagen from Helsinki?
About 883 km in a straight line.